- Address: Otjihaenamaparero, D2467, Kalkfeld, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
- Phone: + 264-67-290-153
- Age: over 190 million years ago
In Namibia you can see the most ancient traces of dinosaurs (Dinosaur Footprints). Their age exceeds 190 million years, they were abandoned in the Jurassic period. Travelers come here wishing to feel unity with the history of the whole planet.
general information
Traces of dinosaurs were discovered by the German paleontologist Friedrich von Hune in 1925. They are 2 groups of fossils (ihnofossils) left by reptiles in soft ground. You can see the traces in the north-western part of the country, near the village of Kalkfeld (30 km) at the foot of Maly Etzho mountain .
This area is called Ochihenamaparero and belongs to the guest farm Camping Area. The hosts conduct tourists on a special route Dinosaur's Tracks Guestfarm, talk about the sights and history of the region.
In 1951, traces of dinosaurs were recognized by the National Cultural Heritage Council of Namibia as a protected object, as they provide an important part of the history of the country.
In historical times, when the climate in this territory became drier, the dinosaurs concentrated near water bodies and rivers, which fed on very rare rains. In the Jurassic period the soil here was soft and consisted of sandstones. Traces of dinosaurs were well printed on wet ground. Over time, they were under a layer of earth and dust, brought by winds from the desert, and hardened under pressure from the upper rocks.
Description of sight
Here lived bipedal dinosaurs, which had 3 fingers with long claws. The depth and size of the prints indicate that they belonged to large predators. Scientists suggest that it could be Theropoda. Skeletons and body prints have not been found to date, so no one can accurately name the species of animals. It is believed that reptiles died almost immediately after they passed through the area.
Traces of dinosaurs are 2 intersecting tracks, which consist of 30 prints. They were left by the animal's hind limbs and have a size of 45 by 34 cm, the length of the walk varies from 70 to 90 cm. The group of fossils extends for a distance of up to 20 m.
Near these fingerprints you can see traces of less. Their length reaches only 7 cm, and they are located at a distance of 28 to 33 cm from each other. Scientists believe that the prints could belong to the young dinosaurs.
Features of visit
The cost of admission is:
- for adults and children over 12 years old - $ 1.5;
- for children from 6 to 12 years old - $ 1;
- children under 6 years - free of charge.
On the territory of the institution there are signs and stands with general information about the sights. During the tour, the owners of the farm can provide you with lunch for an additional fee and offer a place for spending the night. This can be either a room in the house or a place in the campsite .
How to get there?
Near Ochiyenamaparero there is the D2467 and D2414 motorway. From the capital of Namibia, you can get here by plane (Ochivarongo airport ) or by train, the railway station is called Kalkfeld Railway Station.